jason the baptizer in the river san marcos

even though i just created a blog and should be super happy and posting 3 times a day, this is only my second post. but you can only write something you think is meaningful every now and then, right? onward! praise God, I was baptized on sunday. it was amazing. yeah its just a half second dunk under murky river water where you almost take your pastor downstream and drown and are never raised to walk...but it isn't. it was the most amazing, spirit-filled event in my life. the coolness of the water; the cleansing; the words; the meaning; the symbolism. It is so joyful. even Jesus was baptized first thing! to feel like you are in the company of Jesus because you are participating in an event that you know He also participated in is sensational. the atmosphere of the experience was so beautiful. the calm river, interrupted by a small rapid, the trees, and the gravel beach was the perfect setting. not to mention 140 people thirsting to witness the public professions of faith of the 10 of us. i mean, i was super excited about that, but imagine the multitudes heavenly hosts singing praise to God and giving glory to Him every time one of us was buried and raised to walk in the Spirit.
JOY. Jesus Occupying You. i think that is a great definition. you can use it if you like. but that is what I felt sunday, and what i have known since i have known the Messiah and he has known me. pure joy and the peace of God. i pray that if you have not experienced the joy of salvation, that He would call out to you, and that you would respond by letting Him take over your life. The bread of heaven has been broken for you, and the cup of salvation is held out to drink. drink up! (thank you charlie hall, and ultimately God, for that beautiful line.)